Kiev has claimed that Russian troops are moving rapidly north of the Ukrainian capital Kiev and another city, Chernigiv. Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is preparing to evacuate civilians from Mariupol, another Ukrainian city. News from AFP and Reuters
Ukraine’s concerns are not diminishing as Russian troops withdraw. Mikhail Podoliak, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, wrote in a social media post that the Russian military was pursuing a different plan. They are moving south and east. He said the goal of the Russian military was to expand the area under their control and create a link between them.
Meanwhile, the ICRC said it was taking steps to evacuate civilians from Mariupol. They have completed their preparations for this.
Although preparations for the ICRC have been completed, there are doubts about security. The agency said it had not received adequate security promises to evacuate civilians from Mariupol on two previous occasions.
Preparations are underway to evacuate people from other cities besides Mariupol.
However, despite all this, all parties are keeping a close eye on Mariupol. Russia has launched a series of attacks on the city. At least 5,000 people have been killed in Mariupol, according to local authorities. About 160,000 people are in crisis of food, water and electricity.
The city is important to both Ukraine and Russia. According to a BBC analysis, if control of Mariupol falls into the hands of Russia, it will be possible to establish a corridor between Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk. These areas are under Russian control.
Another 300 million in aid
The Pentagon has announced an additional 300 million in aid to Ukraine. The U.S. Department of Defense made the announcement last Friday, local time. The United States has said it is helping to boost Ukraine’s defense.
The United States has previously provided military assistance to Ukraine. Announcing the new military assistance, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement that the United States had maintained its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by providing financial assistance.
